Ukraine knows more about POWs than Red Cross — Intelligence explains why
Photo: spokesman of the of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine Andrii Yusov (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Ukraine currently knows significantly more about its citizens held in Russian captivity than the Red Cross, even though, in theory, this international organization should have more detailed information about prisoners of war, according to a representative of Ukraine's Defense Intelligence, Andrii Yusov.
He explained that Ukraine uses more advanced methods for gathering information on prisoners of war. The details are obtained through sources and channels that enable access to a greater volume of data and allow for regular updates.
According to Yusov, special attention should be given to the families of POWs. On their own initiative, many are actively conducting OSINT (open-source intelligence) research and analysis using publicly available sources.
"That's why all individuals confirmed to be alive and in captivity are submitted. When it comes to large-scale exchanges, specific categories, such as the seriously ill and severely wounded, are prioritized, and every effort is made to bring them home. Then come the nuances — the work of the negotiation team has never been easy, but the interests of the prisoners and our national interests will be protected," Yusov assured.
Prisoner exchanges between Ukraine and Russia
On June 2, during negotiations in Istanbul, Ukraine and Russia agreed to exchange all for all — specifically, wounded and seriously ill soldiers, as well as all prisoners of war aged 18 to 25. Since then, six exchanges have taken place: on June 9, 10, 12, 14, 19, and 20.
On June 19, Ukraine successfully brought home a group of wounded and seriously ill defenders. Another group of Ukrainian soldiers returned home on June 20, as Ukraine and Russia conducted the next stage of a large-scale prisoner exchange.
